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VEX Pneumatics Kit User Guide

Vex Number: VEX-CLASS-PNEU

RobotShop Number: RB-Inn-46

To perform their function, pneumatic cylinders impart a force by converting the potential

energy of compressed gas into kinetic energy. This is achieved by the compressed gas

being able to expand, without external energy input, which itself occurs due to the

pressure gradient established by the compressed gas being at a greater pressure than the

atmospheric pressure. This air expansion forces the piston to move in the desired

direction. The pneumatic cylinders have 2 states. The Single Acting cylinder uses air to

push in one of the states and a spring for return in the second state. The Double Acting

cylinder uses air in both states; push and return.

You can connect the 3 pin connector of the Solenoid Driver to any of the

ANALOG/DIGITAL Ports on the VEX Controller. The Black wire should be closest to

the outside edge of the VEX Controller. Likewise, the White wire should be closest to

the Keyed Slot even though there is no key tab on the Solenoid Driver Cable. You can

control the two states of the pneumatics by controlling the two states of a Digital Output.

By sending a High (1) or Low (0) to the defined Digital Output that you have the

Solenoid Driver connected to, you will be controlling the corresponding pneumatic

cylinder. To change the state of a Digital Output of the VEX Controller, you must have a

Programming Kit.

Specifications

System Pressure: 689 KN/m2 (100 psi)

Tank Volume: 150mL (9.152in)

Cylinder Bore: 10mm (0.394in)

Cylinder Stroke: 50mm (1.987in)

Cylinder max Force: 54N (12lbf)

Cylinder Strokes: 45 strokes from 100psi to 25psi

Single acting cylinder length: Compressed - 6.125in / Extended – 7.5in

Double acting cylinder length: Compressed – 6.125in / Extended – 8.25in

Valve Control: Connects to one VEX Controller I/O port

Reservoir Weight: 0.68lbs

Refill method: Tire pump fitting

Kit 1 is a complete pneumatics add-on for the VEX Robotics system. The cylinders are Single

Acting, meaning they use air pressure to extend the piston, and an internal spring to allow

the piston to retract.

Kit 1A

adds one Cylinder (Air Push, Spring Return) to Kit 1 or Kit 2. Cannot be used without

Kit 1 or Kit 2.

Kit 2

is a complete pneumatics add-on for the VEX Robotics system. The cylinders are

Double Acting, meaning they use air pressure to extend and retract the piston.

Kit 2A

adds one Cylinder (Bi-directional) to Kit 1 or Kit 2. Cannot be used without Kit1 or Kit2.

There are many ways to mount the Pneumatics Cylinders, a few examples are shown

below.